The MV Lauga Case: Drones, Espionage, and Military Logistics on Strategic Maritime Routes

In recent months, the operational patterns of the MV Lauga (IMO 9111060) have attracted increased scrutiny from intelligence and maritime security analysts, particularly regarding its activity in the Ionian Sea and recurrent port calls along the West African coast. In September, the vessel conducted a transit through the Ionian Sea marked by an uncharacteristic course deviation and significant reduction in speed—maneuvers indicative of deliberate operational intent rather than routine navigation. Such behavior may be linked to covert logistics operations, potentially involving the illicit transport of arms or contraband cargo to strategically significant African ports.

A recent investigative report by Meduza highlighted suspicious activity associated with the MV Lauga, including possible deployments of surveillance drones, further amplifying concerns over the vessel’s operational profile. Within this framework, the vessel’s trajectory through the Ionian Sea could correspond to an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) mission, possibly involving underwater drone operations, given the critical submarine cable infrastructure traversing the area, including cables originating from Israel.

While there is no definitive evidence directly connecting the MV Lauga to Russian governmental agencies or the Ministry of Defense, its operational patterns and West African port calls strongly suggest a potential role in supporting military or paramilitary activities within the region. Considering the strategic importance of the visited ports and the historical context of Russian military engagement in West Africa, the MV Lauga’s movements warrant sustained monitoring and detailed intelligence analysis to assess its probable involvement in regional military logistics networks and suspected ISR drone operations.

• Routes operated by the LAUGA vessel from 2023 to 2025 (Global fishing watch):

• Report by Meduza: An invisible maritime menace

The Russian vessel Lauga is suspected of conducting covert ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations in the North Sea, deploying unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to surveil critical German military infrastructure. On 17 May 2025, a German patrol craft detected multiple UAS swarming around Lauga near Borkum Island, indicating active drone deployment capabilities. Although a subsequent inspection in Belgium yielded no concrete evidence, intelligence assessments have linked Lauga to Russian naval logistics hubs in Tartus, Syria, and to Rosatom, the state nuclear corporation. The vessel's frequent port calls in Iran and Turkmenistan further suggest non-commercial routes aligned with potential strategic intelligence missions. These patterns underscore concerns about the exploitation of ostensibly civilian maritime assets for clandestine military ISR activities that evade conventional detection.

• Last two months (August - September 2025)

Russian activity in West Africa reveals a notable increase in maritime traffic. The LAUGA - 9111060, recently observed Cotonou and Bissau, likely serves as a logistical asset supporting Moscow's military.

• Last month (September 2025)

• Submarine Cable Map